New York, NY (July 21, 2016)—Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, has acquired the 5 WORLDS graphic novel series by bestselling and award-winning author Mark Siegel, it was announced today by Mallory Loehr, Senior Vice President, Publisher of the Random House/Golden Books, Doubleday, and Crown Books for Young Readers Group. The three-book deal for world rights (excluding France) was negotiated by Michelle H. Nagler, Associate Publishing Director, Random House Children’s Books.

In addition to his author credits, which include the bestselling Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson, Siegel is the founder and editorial director of the graphic novel imprint First Second Books, and he pens the new 5 WORLDS series with his brother, Alexis Siegel, and an up-and-coming team of illustrators: Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun.

The lushly illustrated middle-grade series tells the sci-fi/fantasy adventure of a defiant young girl and the five worlds facing extinction unless five ancient and mysterious beacons are lit. When war erupts on her home planet, she meets two unlikely companions and discovers there’s more to herself—and to her world’s history—than meets the eye.

“Like so many other children, I grew up gazing at the stars and dreaming of making friends in far-flung parts of our universe,” says Siegel. “Here I am years later working with four fellow dreamers—Alexis, Matt, Xanthe, and Boya—on a five-part story of friendship that defies galactic boundaries. On behalf of our team, I am so excited to invite you to join us to discover new worlds together. We hope you’ll like what you see.”

“Mark Siegel’s talent and expertise in the graphic novel genre are unprecedented, so it isn’t surprising that he and his extraordinary creative team are breaking new ground with 5 WORLDS,” says Nagler. “This is a series that readers will devour and return to over and over again.”

5 Worlds Book 1: The Sand Warrior will release on May 2, 2017, followed by the next two books in the series in 2018 and 2019. Chelsea Eberly, Editor, Random House Books for Young Readers, will edit.

Get news updates about the series on Twitter at @5WorldsTeam.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS

MARK SIEGEL has written and illustrated several award-winning picture books and graphic novels, including the New York Times bestseller Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson. He is also the founder and editorial director of First Second Books. He lives with his family in New York. Follow Mark and the 5 Worlds team on Twitter at @5WorldsTeam.

ALEXIS SIEGEL is a writer and translator based in London. He has translated a number of bestselling graphic novels, including Joann Sfar’s The Rabbi’s Cat, Pénélope Bagleu’s Exquisite Corpse, and Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese (into French).

XANTHE BOUMA is an illustrator based in Southern California. When not working on picture books, fashion illustration, and comics, Xanthe enjoys soaking up the beachside sun. Follow Xanthe on Tumblr at @yumbles and on Twitter at @xoxobouma.

MATT ROCKEFELLER is an illustrator and comic book artist from Tucson, Arizona. His work has appeared in a variety of formats, including book covers, picture books, and animation. Matt lives in New York City. Follow him on Tumblr at @mrockefeller and on Twitter at @mcrockefeller.

BOYA SUN is an illustrator and coauthor of the graphic novel Chasma Knights. Originally from China, Boya traveled from Canada to the United States and now resides in the charming city of Baltimore. Follow Boya on Tumblr at @boyasun and on Twitter at @boyaboyasun.

Random House Books for Young Readers is an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR 5 WORLDS

“A magical journey, as fun as it is beautiful!”

—Kazu Kibuishi, #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Amulet

“Epic action, adventure, and mystery will draw you in, but the heartfelt characters and their seemingly impossible journey will keep you turning the pages.”

—Lisa Yee, author of the DC Super Hero Girls™ series

“This stellar team has created a gorgeous and entrancing world like no other!”